Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss: Does It Work?

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a tool some therapists use to help individuals reach a state of total relaxation. During a session, practitioners believe that the conscious and unconscious mind are able to focus and concentrate on verbal repetition and mental imagery. The mind, as a result, becomes open to suggestion and open to change with regard to behaviors, emotions, and habits.

Forms of this alternative therapy have been used since the 1700s to help people with anything from bed-wetting to nail-biting to smoking. Research on hypnosis has also shown some promise for treating obesity, as we’ll explore in this article.

Hypnosis has long been recognised as an effective means of treatment for a number of psychological conditions. Hypnotherapy can help you to create more confidence for yourself and improve feelings of self worth. You can also learn to overcome problems like the fear of public speaking; phobias like being terrified of traveling on the tube; and become more at ease with yourself by building your confidence and self-esteem.

Does hypnotherapy work for weight loss?

Hypnosis may be more effective than simple diet and exercise alone for people looking to lose weight. The idea is that the mind can be influenced to change habits like overeating. However, exactly how effective it may be is always dependent on the individual.

One earlier controlled trial examined the use of hypnotherapy for weight loss in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The study looked at two specific forms of hypnotherapy versus simple diet advice for weight loss and sleep apnea.

All 60 participants lost 2 to 3 percent of their body weight in 3 months.

At the 18-month follow-up, the hypnotherapy group had lost another 8 pounds on average. The researchers concluded that while this additional loss wasn’t significant, hypnotherapy warranted more research as a treatment for obesity.

An analysis that included hypnotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for weight loss showed that it resulted in a small reduction in body weight compared with the placebo group. Researchers concluded that while hypnotherapy may enhance weight loss, there isn’t enough research for it to be convincing.

It’s important to note that there is still limited research of hypnosis alone for weight loss. Much of what you’ll find is about hypnotherapy in combination with diet and exercise or counseling.

What to expect from hypnotherapy

During hypnotherapy, your Hypnotherapist may begin speaking in a soothing, gentle voice to help you relax and to establish a feeling of safety.

Once you’ve reached a more receptive state of mind, they will begin to suggest ways to help you change your eating or exercise habits or other ways to reach your weight loss goals.

Certain words or repetition of certain phrases may help with this stage. Your hypnotherapist may also help you visualize yourself reaching goals through sharing vivid mental imagery.

To close the session, your therapist will help bring you out of hypnosis and back to your starting state.

The length of the hypnosis session and the number of total sessions you may need will depend on your individual goals. Some people may see results in as few as one to three sessions.

Check out the Mind Series INSTRUCTIONS to see our recommendations, all courses come with an Instructions sheet download, depending on the program as some such as (Virtual Gastrict Band) has specific requirements.

Cost of hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can vary in cost from between $60-160 per session or more, depending upon the area you live and the experience of the hypnotist, the length and number or sessions you need also.

Some will do a reduced price for children or a package offer for the likes of Virtual Gastric Band of $350-$600, as with MindSeries, as you are listening to a pre recorded audio session, we offer this as a one time cost, significantly cheaper than face to face.  

Benefits of hypnotherapy

The main benefit of hypnosis is that it allows people to enter a relaxed state of mind where they may be more open to suggestion to help change certain habits. For some, this may mean faster and more notable results — but this isn’t true for everyone.

Studies show that some people may be more responsive to the effects of hypnosis and thus more likely to benefit from it. For example, certain personality traits, such as selflessness and openness, may make a person more susceptible to hypnosis.

Studies also found that susceptibility to hypnosis increases after age 40, and women, regardless of age, are more likely to be receptive.

Hypnosis is considered safe for most people if practiced in a safe relaxed environment, not driving or operating machinery. It is NOT a means for brainwashing or mind control. A hypnotherapist can’t control a person to the point of doing something embarrassing or something against their will.

Risks of hypnotherapy

Again, hypnosis is safe for most people. Adverse reactions are very rare.

People who experience hallucinations or delusions should speak to their doctor before trying hypnotherapy. Also, hypnosis should not be performed on an individual under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Additional tips for weight loss

Here are some things you can do at home to help your weight loss efforts:

• Move your body most days of the week.
• Try to get either 150 minutes of moderate activity (such as walking, water aerobics, gardening) or 75 minutes of more vigorous exercises (such as running, swimming laps, hiking hills) each week.
• Keep a food diary. Track how much you’re eating, when you’re eating, and whether or not you’re eating out of hunger. Doing so may help you identify habits to change, such as snacking out of boredom.
• Eat fruit and vegetables. Aim for five servings of fruit and vegetable each day. You should also add more fiber to your diet — between 25 to 30 grams each day — to curb your appetite.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Being hydrated helps prevent overeating.
• Resist the urge to skip meals. Eating throughout the day helps keep your metabolism running strong.

Conclusion

While hypnosis may provide an edge over other weight loss methods, it isn’t necessarily a quick fix. Still, research does suggest that using it in combination with a nutritious diet, daily exercise, and other therapies may be beneficial.

Your mind is very powerful and most participants feel it gives them the added motivation to stick to their plans, and the mental nudge needed, when moments of weakness come up.